“Caro Quintero had billions of dollars stashed in secret bank accounts in Luxembourg and in Switzerland,” former DEA agent Hector Berrellez told Forbes in a telephone interview. “The one in Luxembourg had $4 billion and the other one had even more.”

While investigating Quintero, Barrellez said he saw the electronic statements and does not believe the government confiscated the money.

The DEA declined to comment.

Quintero was released early from prison after serving 28 years in jail.